Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth. They are usually made of titanium and are surgically inserted into the jawbone. While they are meant to be permanent, the bone grows around the implant at times, making it secure and stable. Most dental implants last for many years, but some eventually need to be replaced. The lifespan of a dental implant depends on some factors, including how well it is cared for, the type of implant used, and the patient’s overall health. With proper care, zirconia dental implants can last for decades.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small titanium post that is inserted into the jawbone to act as a replacement for a natural tooth. The implant fuses with the bone over time, providing a secure and stable base for an artificial tooth. Dental implants are an effective way to replace missing teeth and can also be used to support a denture or bridge.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
While dental implants are designed to be a permanent solution for tooth loss, the crown attached to the implant may need to be replaced due to normal wear and tear. About 50 to 80 percent of crowns may need to be replaced in 15 to 20 years. The good news is that dental implants have a success rate of about 98 percent, so they’re a very reliable solution for tooth loss.
If you’re considering dental implants, it’s important to have realistic expectations about the lifespan of the implant and the attached crown. Dental implants are a great solution for tooth loss, but they’re not designed to last forever. With proper care, however, they can last for many years.
What Factors Affect the Lifespan of a Dental Implant?
Even though dental implants are meant to last a lifetime, at times, they fail. The most common causes of implant failure are a disruption in osseointegration or the healing process. Here are some other factors that can affect the lifespan of a dental implant:
Inadequate Oral Hygiene
Dental implants are just like natural teeth when it comes to oral hygiene. Just as you would brush and floss your natural teeth, you must do the same for your implants to prevent any gum disease or other infection. Without adequate care, dental implants are subject to decay and gum disease risks as natural teeth.
Smoking
Smoking is one of the worst habits you can have if you want your implants to last. Studies have shown that smokers are more likely to experience implant failure and other complications. This is because smoking decreases blood flow and oxygen to the gums, slowing down the healing process and leading to infection. In addition, smoking increases the risk of gum disease, which can damage the implant and cause it to fail.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become weak and porous. This can lead to bone loss and make it difficult for dental implants to fuse to the jawbone. If you have osteoporosis, you may need a bone graft before getting implants.
Chewing Hard Foods
Even though dental implants are strong, they can still be damaged if you chew hard foods on them. This can cause the implant to loosen or break. To avoid this, stick to soft foods for the first few weeks after getting your implant and then gradually introduce harder foods into your diet.
Age
Age is another factor that can affect implant success. As we age, our bones become weaker and more porous. This can make it difficult for implants to fuse to the jawbone. In addition, older adults are more likely to have medical conditions that can increase the risk of implant failure.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy can also affect implant success. The hormones released during pregnancy can cause bones to become weaker and more porous. In addition, pregnancy can increase the risk of gum disease. For these reasons, it’s best to wait until after you’ve given birth to get dental implants.
What Happens If an Implant Fails?
If an implant fails, the first thing you should do is contact your dentist in irvine. They will likely need to remove the implant and clean the area to prevent infection. In some cases, you may need to get a new implant. In other cases, you may be able to get by with a dental bridge or denture.
Dental implants are a great solution for tooth loss, but they’re not designed to last forever. However, with proper care, they can last for many years, over 20 years. While there are uncontrollable risk factors, such as age and pregnancy, that can affect the lifespan of an implant, there are controllable risk factors, like smoking and inadequate oral hygiene, that, if avoided, will give your implant the best chance of success. If an implant does fail, contact your dentist right away.